DFB launches investigation

The German Football Federation (DFB) have launched an investigation after Germany international Mario Gomez called Karlsruhe defender Maik Franz "an arsehole" live on television.
Gomez - Germany's player of the year in 2007 - scored the opening goal for VfB Stuttgart in their 3-1 win over Karlsruhe and then launched into a tirade on Saturday after the final whistle when interviewed by German channel Premier.
"The DFB will ask Mario Gomez for his version of events and the president of the disciplinary committee will then formally set in motion a procedure against the player," the DFB said in an official statement on Sunday.
Gomez, Stuttgart's top scorer this season with 11 Bundesliga goals, was scathing in his criticism of Franz in front of the cameras.
"He is an arsehole," the 22-year-old fumed after the players clashed several times during the game.
"He is a sportsman who does not play the game fairly and is protected by the referee.
"I don't even want to talk about him, he's not worth it, I don't want to go down to his level."
Gomez is being groomed by Germany head coach Joachim Loew as a star of the future and he has already scored four goals in eight appearances.
On his website, Gomez said he was wrong to comment on Franz's conduct.
"Maik Franz and I clashed a few times during the game, but to comment my displeasure about it after the game was not okay," he said.
"I shouldn't have done such a thing, especially with the emotions and the adrenaline from the game."

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